How to Hold a Baby

It may not seem like that hard of a concept, ‘How to hold a baby’, but there are certain things you need to know, especially if you have never done it.



There are actually many ways to do so, depending on where you are and what you are trying to accomplish. However there are certain things that are true no matter how you choose to hold your baby.

Rule number one. Probably the most important rule of all is that whenever you hold a baby you must support the baby’s head.

When a baby is born the head is the biggest and heaviest part of his little body and is supported by the neck, which is one of the smallest and weakest parts of his body.

You don’t think about it much on a daily basis, but your neck does quite a bit of work each day. Mine probably does more than yours as it has to hold up my big ol' head, but that’s beside the point.

Your baby will have to strengthen his neck over time and it may take several months before his neck can support the weight of his head.

So bottom line – anytime you hold a baby, you have to support his head.

Rule number two. Don’t do anything stupid. This may seem like a no-brainer, but trying to hold your baby with one arm while trying to chop something with a knife in the other isn’t a good idea.

Also don’t climb a ladder with your baby in your arms. If the light bulb needs to be changed, set him down and then change it. If he cries when you set him down and you don’t want to listen to that, then just be content to sit in the dark.

Ok – so now you got the basics, let’s talk about the different ways to hold a baby.

Cradle Hold

For all of the holds, I’ll tell you which arms I use for what and you can do the same or flip to the other – whatever is most comfortable for you.

To use the cradle hold, you’ll simply lay the baby’s head in the crook (the inside of where your elbow bends) of your right arm. You’ll take your right forearm and place it underneath the baby’s neck and back. You’ll place your right hand on the baby’s rump.

At this point you are free to use your left hand however you wish. If you feel like you need more support holding the baby, simply place your left arm underneath your right to help stabilize the baby if he decides to move around.

With this hold you can place your baby on his side or his back, whichever best suits the situation.

Football Hold

For this hold place the baby’s head in your right hand and his body along your right arm. His feet should be tucked next to your chest and under your arm pit – not in it, but below it, such that you can secure his feet between your chest and arm.

This hold can be used while sitting or standing and it gives you the ability to see your baby’s face and allow him to gaze at yours.

You’ll also have your left hand free to open doors, change the channel, or stiff arm a defender.

Chest Hold

There really isn’t much to this, and it probably is not technically a hold, but is a position that you will want to share with your baby.

This works best in a reclined position, either in a recliner or lounging on a couch. You will take your baby and lay his head on your chest right on top of your heart.

You can do this with your baby either on his back or his belly – my daughter really liked this on her belly, as do most babies. The rhythmic beating of your heart has a soothing effect on the baby and will most likely put him to sleep.

Depending on how well your baby fits on your chest you may not need to hold him at all, but if you do simply take either hand and place it around the baby’s rump.

You may find that your baby will pull his legs up close to his chest to simulate how he slept while in the womb (the fetal position).

This hold in particular is a great way for a new dad to bond with his baby. One of the first senses a baby develops is a sense of smell. Using the chest hold will allow your baby to become familiar to your “smell” and will enable him to recognize you whenever you hold him.

This recognizable smell can be soothing to a baby by telling the baby he is in a safe place when he is upset. Not to mention the fact that it’s fun for you to cuddle with your newborn.

Shoulder Hold

This can be done while either sitting or standing and can also be used while burping a baby.

Rather than placing the baby’s head on your chest, place it on your shoulder. Then with whichever hand you prefer, place it around the baby’s rump to hold him in place.

If you are using this hold and want to go from sitting to standing or vice-versa, make sure you use your free hand to hold the baby’s head still. Just place your hand on the back of the head while you sit down or stand up. This will keep your baby’s head from flopping around while you change positions.

Lap Hold

Sit on the floor with your back against the wall or some sturdy piece of furniture, and put your knees up so that you create a “V” shape with your body.

Take the baby and place him in your lap resting his head against your knees and his body against your legs facing you.

This hold is great for interacting with your baby. You’ll be able to look at each other and play together.

This hold will allow you to use both of your hands to engage your baby in games ranging from patty cake to peek-a-boo.

Now that you’re equipped with five different ways to hold a baby, one of the most frequent activities you’ll share is feeding. In the next section we’ll discuss how to feed your baby.

Continue to How to Feed a Baby

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